Heads up, because it seems your mom may be pushing the boundaries: Most states define theft (including shoplift) as basically (1) moving an object any distance (2) with the intent to permanently deprive the owner (without consent).
A common myth is that you have to leave the store to shoplift - not true at all. A shoplift is completed when an item is moved with the intent to deprive the owner. Usually, taking the tags off an item on an isle w/ intent to deprive is legally enough, and taking the tags off and stuffing it in one's pocket's is factually strong case of shoplifting. You don't even have to actually deprive the owner - just moving an item, with intent to deprive, is enough, even if you immediately change your mind or otherwise leave the item with the owner. Even offering to pay at the end doesn't mean anything, other than to offer evidence that you never intended to deprive the owner without consent.
Also, any physical contact in many jurisdictions can elevate shoplift to robbery (theft by "force or fear"). California for example defines force as an minimal force - if the store owner places his hand on your shoulder (you can use reasonable nonlethal force to prevent theft as owner), and you push it off and exit the store while stealing, that's enough for robbery - a felony strike in California - definitely had cases like this (obviously I don't agree with this but just saying).
Honestly man I hope you stay out of those situations you describe (as in are not in the store when that happens) . They really are powder-kegs of legal troubles.
A common myth is that you have to leave the store to shoplift - not true at all. A shoplift is completed when an item is moved with the intent to deprive the owner. Usually, taking the tags off an item on an isle w/ intent to deprive is legally enough, and taking the tags off and stuffing it in one's pocket's is factually strong case of shoplifting. You don't even have to actually deprive the owner - just moving an item, with intent to deprive, is enough, even if you immediately change your mind or otherwise leave the item with the owner. Even offering to pay at the end doesn't mean anything, other than to offer evidence that you never intended to deprive the owner without consent.
Also, any physical contact in many jurisdictions can elevate shoplift to robbery (theft by "force or fear"). California for example defines force as an minimal force - if the store owner places his hand on your shoulder (you can use reasonable nonlethal force to prevent theft as owner), and you push it off and exit the store while stealing, that's enough for robbery - a felony strike in California - definitely had cases like this (obviously I don't agree with this but just saying).
Honestly man I hope you stay out of those situations you describe (as in are not in the store when that happens) . They really are powder-kegs of legal troubles.
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